Former Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov has urged Anthony Martial to ignore a move elsewhere and fight for his position at Old Trafford.
One could describe Anthony Martial’s time at Manchester United as curious in many ways. Few players can impact a team in the way he does, despite being one of their most inconsistent performers over the years. So far, the Frenchman has shown his best and worst in a red shirt, always managing to divide opinions.
Despite the many changes in the attacking unit, Martial has always retained his place in the final third for Manchester United. His performances in the 2015/16 and 2019/20 seasons were by far his best prolifically, while last term was his worst, as he scored just seven goals across all competitions, playing 36 games.
Eyebrows got raised when Manchester United paid the premium, then the world record for a teenager, to AS Monaco to sign Martial in 2015. The 25-year-old endeared himself to the Old Trafford faithful with a late solo goal against Liverpool, and that season he was United’s top scorer with 17 strikes to his name.
However, with some crucial transfer movements at the club, the Frenchman will likely see his place threatened seriously and is reportedly seeking a move elsewhere. The emergence of Mason Greenwood and the form of Edinson Cavani has already pinned him back in the pecking order.
The addition of Jadon Sancho will surely threaten his game-time in the upcoming season. Inter Milan have rekindled their interest in him, and the Frenchman might be interested in making a move. The Serie A champions are lining up Martial to replace Romelu Lukaku, who will join Chelsea in the coming days.
Everton have also been showing an interest, with Manchester United demanding close to £50 million for Martial. The Red Devils are open to selling him, as they would like to recover most of the money they paid to Monaco for the 25-year-old.
However, one former Manchester United star has urged the Frenchman to remain calm and fight for his place at Old Trafford. Former striker Dimitar Berbatov suggests Martial ignore the overtures of Inter Milan to stay put at Old Trafford, citing his valuable contributions in the past.
Goal have published quotes from Betfair to whom Berbatov was speaking on various things, including Manchester United’s title chances this season. The Bulgarian said, “Anthony Martial is probably thinking that he is in a bit of a difficult situation because with Sancho coming to United, the Frenchman’s playing time is going to be reduced.”
“I have no doubt that this will be going through his mind right now; he will be questioning himself, asking: ‘Do I stay and fight for my position, or should I start to look to move to a team where I will play more regularly?’ Inter would not be the best place for Martial. His playing style is very technical, and he suits going one-on-one with defenders.”
“I would like him to stay at United and challenge himself. If he can show what he can do in training and then in games, then I think he will be fine, and he is another great option for United to have. I hope he can stay fit because he’s had a few [injuries] in the past, and this can put a real stop on the development of a player.”
Martial is a good player, no doubt, but it is difficult to see him get regular minutes in this Manchester United side when all the players return. There is a chance Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will pick him in the opening few games due to the absence of Marcus Rashford and Edinson Cavani, and it will be up to the 25-year-old to take his chances early on.
